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I have owned Honda motorcycles from the seventies (back in the seventies when they were "state of the art") and then I moved to BMWs. Yes, my handle name should be "Beemer Guy" but I registered on my phone and didn't see the typo.
Anyway, I saw a CB1100 this past weekend and fell in love with it. I gave up riding a few years ago (fear of Bambi and idiots on cells phones) but now I'm thinking of getting back. Given that I'm used to the comfort and control of a BMW (RT and GS) how will I like the Honda? There's not one anywhere around here (that I'm aware of) available for a test ride.
Thanks!
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FYI: name corrected.
I'm sure that there will be others checking in with direct BMW experience that will be able to respond to your question.
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Thanks Bill!
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From one "Beemer Guy" to another (K1600), I don't think you'll be disappointed in the CB1100. Engineering, build quality, fit and finish, are all equal to or better than the BMW. The bikes are so different that it's easy like them both equally . If you're looking for a retro styled bike, the CB is a great way to go.
Allen K.
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I concur with Allen K. The CB1100 is not an RT. This is both good & bad. Being a naked/standard M/C, its simpler. No removing a thousand screws holding the fairing. No breaking the M/C in half to service the clutch. No adjustable windshield. The oil cooler doesn't play double-duty as a hand warmer. If you're looking to tour, the Beemer wins. I used my '99 RT as a daily commuter & it was too fancy, too many bells & whistles. The CB1100 is perfect.
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From a Beemer Guy who rode RT's 1100 and 1200's I can give you some insight. I sold my bikes and didn't go back to another RT because quite frankly I don't ride that kind of riding anymore. I have a CB1100 Deluxe and I really enjoy it. I do mostly 40-100 mile back road days and this bike is perfect for that type of riding. If I was going to do some long distance riding I think I would buy a pre-ridden R12RT though. I would not sell my CB to get one it would have to be an additional bike. I have never been more satisfied with a bike. I think the CB could handle long distance rides with some type of cruise control and bags but I love my bike with a small fairing and a small tail bag as it fits my style of riding. Btw I love going out in my garage at night and just looking at it. I don't think I did that much with my R12RT's. Great bikes but not beautiful.
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I would agree with all the posted comments. Two different bikes. I have both and enjoy riding both of them. I ride my RT on longer rides and my CB
for shorter jaunts around town. No, you wont be disapointed with the CB 1100 as it is a true retro styled bike. Get back into the game.
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I've owned about a dozen different BMW's over the years (R's, K's, F's) and currently have three in the garage next to my CB. As others have mentioned, they're different bikes for different reasons. When I'm riding the Honda, I miss the suspension, handling, and agility of the Beemers. But I feel good on the Honda. It's a more elemental bike and brings me right back to the '70's, which is why I bought it. That being said, for anything more than a 300-400 mile day, the CB stays home. I don't think you'd need to worry about quality or workmanship. The CB is a very nice bike, and as you probably know, BMW's can have their issues.
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For those that say the CB1100 is not up to long distance touring, I disagree. I have done several 200+ mile days on my CB and the only issue I have with it is the seat. I can see no reason why I could not string several 300+ mile days back to back. All it really needs is a windscreen (on order) and saddle bags (on order). Already have a tail bag.
Back in the 70's I had a CB750 and went on several multi week 3000k plus mile vacations without any problems. That 750 did not have near the suspension that the 1100 has. Those vacations were two up with camping gear.
The 1100 is replacing a 2012 BMW R1200R. I took the R (didn't have the 1100 yet) to Abilene, TX for my grandson's HS graduation in May of this year. The trip was over 5k miles. Had no problems other than my right hand goes numb after about 50 miles. CrampBuster helped. That has been a problem since new and I have tried several remedies to solve it. None have worked. Would have ridden the 1100 if I had it.
I am expecting the 1100 to perform as good as the R, plus my right hand does not go numb.
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I have taken several multi day multi thousand mile trips on my CBs both 13 and 14 dlx and although not what I would consider the best tool for that job it certainly did a yeomans job of performing the task. It is a reasonable powered standard that can be pressed to do many things and it will do them all fairly well, but perhaps not as well as a purpose built bike for a given job. It will never imo take the place of a dedicated touring bike in a touring situation, so if that is what you want this bike will fall short. However if you are looking for a more multi purpose tool, I think the CB will ultimately please you.
